CTO Message

I am Yoichi Kato. I have assumed the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as of fiscal year 2025. I would like to set forth the primary missions and responsibilities to which I am fully committed in my new role.

• Enhancing the corporate value of the OKI Group
• Creating an environment where every member of OKI can realize their full vitality and potential
• Nurturing the OKI Group into a trusted and recognized enterprise both in Japan and worldwide

In pursuit of these goals, I am committed to transforming both my mindset and actions. Specifically, I will focus on the following priorities:

• Advancing toward our objectives by embracing the diverse facets of corporate value—not limited to financial outcomes, but also including broader contributions and societal impact.
• Working together with sincere gratitude, fostering collaboration, and leveraging the collective strengths of our team.
• Converting OKI’s accumulated tacit knowledge into explicit, formalized knowledge, and proactively disseminating this both within and beyond the organization.

My highest priority is to regard non-financial corporate value as being synonymous with technological excellence and to continuously enhance it. Since its founding in 1881, OKI has built a history spanning over 140 years, during which we have accumulated extensive technical expertise and proprietary know-how (tacit knowledge). By formalizing this tacit knowledge and integrating it with emerging technologies, we ensure it is shared and implemented across the Group, thereby driving further enhancement of our corporate value.

Through the ongoing evolution of technology, we will continue to contribute to society and pursue a sustainable future.

Technology plays a truly pivotal role in enhancing corporate value. Among its many contributions, three aspects are particularly important:

1. Development of New Products and Services
   Technology provides the foundation for creating new products and services, enabling us to deliver greater value to customers, pioneer new markets, and expand our revenue opportunities. Examples include IoT-enabled devices and highly personalized services.
2. Establishing Competitive Advantage
   Differentiation through technology is crucial for building and maintaining a competitive edge. By strategically acquiring intellectual property and patents, we enhance our brand's credibility and reinforce our market position. Notable examples include Tesla's electric vehicle technology and Amazon's logistics management systems.
3. Addressing Sustainability (SDGs Initiatives)
   By deploying technologies that minimize environmental impact and promote renewable energy, we fulfill our social responsibilities and increase our corporate reputation, thereby contributing to sustainable long-term growth. Carbon-neutral technologies exemplify this approach.

Accordingly, technology is not merely a tool—it is the driving force behind our corporate growth. To fully realize these benefits, we must carefully manage associated risks and ensure sustained, strategic investment.

To maximize corporate value through technology, the CTO must undertake the following key responsibilities:

1. Formulation of Technology Strategy:
   Shape comprehensive technology strategies aligned with the company's long-term vision, continuously identifying key innovations and emerging market trends to strengthen competitiveness.
2. Promotion of Research and Development (R&D)
   Drive investment in new technologies and innovative projects, leading them from concept to implementation and commercialization. Equally important is cultivating an environment that sustains our technological leadership through ongoing research excellence.
3. Monitoring and Adoption of Technology Trends
   Stay at the forefront of cutting-edge fields such as AI, IoT, cloud computing, and blockchain, evaluating and adopting these advancements to reinforce the Group’s competitiveness and sustainability.

As CTO, I serve as a vital bridge between technology and corporate management. In today’s rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive environment, I am fully committed to fulfilling this central role—driving sustainable growth and value creation for the OKI Group through technological excellence. I will continue to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this mission.